Kleftiko is a traditional Greek dish that is made by slow-cooking lamb in a sealed clay oven. The name Kleftiko comes from the Greek word "kleftis," which means "thief," and is said to have originated from the times when Greek bandits would steal a lamb and cook it in the mountains in a sealed pit oven to avoid being detected by the authorities. Today, Kleftiko is a popular dish that is enjoyed by locals and tourists alike and is known for its succulent, melt-in-your-mouth lamb.

The key to making Kleftiko is slow-cooking the lamb in a sealed environment to trap in all the flavors and moisture. This is why the traditional method involves using a clay oven, but in modern times, parchment paper or aluminum foil can be used to achieve a similar effect. The lamb is cooked for several hours at a low temperature, allowing it to become incredibly tender and flavorful. The addition of potatoes and onions to the dish helps to infuse even more flavor into the lamb.

When Kleftiko is cooked properly, the lamb will be fall-off-the-bone tender and infused with the flavors of garlic, lemon, and oregano. The potatoes will be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, having absorbed the delicious flavors of the lamb and onions. The overall flavor profile of the dish is savory and slightly tangy, with a hint of earthiness from the oregano.

In terms of nutrition, Kleftiko is a good source of protein, with a 2kg leg of lamb providing approximately 104g of protein. However, it is also high in fat, with 22g of total fat per serving. To balance out the meal, you can serve it with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.

Overall, Kleftiko is a delicious and satisfying dish that is sure to impress your guests. Whether you are cooking it in a clay oven or in your own kitchen, be prepared for the aroma of the lamb and potatoes to fill your home and whet your appetite.

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make Kleftiko:

Ingredients:

1- 1 leg of lamb, approximately 2 kg

2- 4 large potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

3- 4 onions, chopped

4- 4 garlic cloves, minced

5- 1 lemon, juiced

6- 1 tablespoon dried oregano

7- Salt and pepper

8- Olive oil

9- 1 cup water

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F.

2- Take a large piece of parchment paper and place it on a baking tray.

3- In a bowl, mix the chopped onions and minced garlic with the lemon juice and dried oregano.

4- Season the leg of lamb with salt and pepper, and rub it all over with olive oil.

5- Place the seasoned leg of lamb in the center of the parchment paper.

6- Surround the lamb with the potato chunks.

7- Pour the onion and garlic mixture over the lamb and potatoes.

8- Add one cup of water to the tray.

9- Wrap the parchment paper tightly around the lamb and potatoes, ensuring that it is completely sealed.

10- Place the tray in the preheated oven and cook for approximately 3 hours.

11- After 3 hours, remove the tray from the oven and carefully open the parchment paper.

12- Increase the oven temperature to 220°C/430°F and return the tray to the oven.

13- Cook for a further 20-30 minutes, or until the lamb is golden brown and the potatoes are crispy.

14- Once cooked, remove the lamb and potatoes from the tray and serve.

Notes:

1- Traditionally, Kleftiko is cooked in a sealed clay oven. If you have access to a clay oven, you can follow the same recipe but cook it in the clay oven instead of the oven.

2- If you can't find a leg of lamb, you can use lamb shoulder instead.

3- If you don't have parchment paper, you can use aluminum foil instead.

Nutrition Facts:

The nutritional information for Kleftiko can vary depending on the size of the leg of lamb and the amount of potatoes used. Here is a rough estimate based on the ingredients listed in this recipe:

• Calories: 520 per serving
• Total fat: 22g
• Saturated fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 160mg
• Sodium: 167mg
• Total carbohydrates: 29g
• Dietary fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 52g

Kleftiko is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a family meal. With its succulent lamb and crispy potatoes, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.